Dea. John "the Redeemed Captive" Longley

https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Longley-90

John Longley

Born 1683 in Groton, Middlesex, Massachusetts Bay Colony

Son of William Longley Jr and Deliverance (Crispe) Longley

Brother of Lydia Longley, William Longley III, Jemima Longley, Joseph Longley, Richard Longley, Betty Longley and Nathaniel Longley

Husband of Sarah (Prescott) Longley — married about 1705 in Groton, Middlesex, Province of Massachusetts Bay

Husband of Deborah (Wilder) Longley — married 30 Nov 1720 in Lancaster, Worcester, Province of Massachusetts Bay

Father of Sarah (Longley) Woods, William Longley, John Longley, Jonas Longley, Lydia (Longley) Farnsworth, Zachariah Longley, Joseph Longley, Jonathan Longley, Zachariah Longley, Nathaniel Longley and Robert Longley

Died 25 May 1750 in Groton, Middlesex, Province of Massachusetts Bay

Biography

From History of the Town of Shirley, Massachusetts, from its early settlement to AD 1882 by Seth Chandler, 1883.

A milder fate awaited the third captive, John, who was about twelve years of age when his family was massacred and himself made prisoner by the Indians. It is said that after proceeding some way with his captors from the scene of their devastation, when the company came to a halt, he told them that his father’s sheep were shut up in the barn, and would starve unless they would permit him to go back and let them out, and that having done this he would at once return to them. They consented, and he fulfilled his promise. Instead of lamenting his change of condition the lad entered into the pursuits of his new state with a relish, and during the five years of his wild life that followed hoped that he might never be removed from his savage to his former civilized position. Accordingly, when he was ransomed by the government, he was so reluctant to leave his new and cherished pursuits, that force had to be added to persuasion to bring the young captive from barbarism to civilization. [Note: the prejudice of the late 1800’s against the Indians shows through strongly in the way this is written; today we recognize that the Indians’ way of life was just as civilized as our own]

After young Longley had returned to his former home in Groton, and had become somewhat weaned from the romance of his captive state, he entered into the duties of civilization with the same zeal that he had manifested in his savage life. He was twice married, (first) to Sarah Prescott of Groton, a daughter of Jonas Prescott, Esq., by whom he had five children – three sons and two daughters. She was a sister of Hon. Benjamin Prescott, who was the father of Col. William Prescott, - of Bunker Hill memory, - of Col. James and Dr. Oliver Prescott of Groton. Sarah, the first wife of John Longley, died March 8, 1718. He married (second) Deborah (Wilder) Houghton, by whom he had seven children. She died Nov. 7, 1763.

Mr. Longley was the clerk of the town for six years, and had three elections to the office of representative to the General Court. He was a deacon of the church twenty-eight years, a good man, and an exemplary Christian. He died May 25, 1750.

Note N00183In 1689 King William's war began and the frontier towns of New England were open to Indian attacks again. Groton suffered greatly at this time. On July 27, 1694, Groton was surprised at the break of day by an Indian assault on the northern part of town. The Abenaki Indians were on the warpath, and struck at the nearest settlers' homes as they approached the town from their haunts in what is now the state of Maine. This is when all the members of the Longley family were either killed or taken into captivity. The Indians also ransacked the Hobart's house, killing one child and taking another, Gershom, Jr., into captivity. from Groton Houses, Some Notes on the History of Old Homesteads in Groton, Massachusetts, pg 207, by Virginia May, Edited and Published by the Groton Historical Society, 1978.

Mr Butler, in his History of Groton writes the following account: The Indians, having lurked about the premises undiscovered, the day previous to the slaughter, watching a favorable opportunity to effect their purpose, early in the morning of the fatal day turned the cattle out of the barnyard and into the cornfield, and lay in ambush. This trick had the desired effect to draw out some of the family, probably Mr Longley and his sons, unarmed, to drive the cattle from the corn. The Indians then rose upon them, and killed or captured the whole family. It is said, however, that Jemima, a daughter of Mr Longley, whom they had tomahawked and scalped, was found alive, sitting upon a rock, and that she survived many years, married and had children.

In History of Shirley- Genealogy- Longley: Betty, Lydia and John were carried into captivity. Betty died of starvation in captivity. John was about 12 at the time of his capture. "after proceeding some way from the scene of their devastation, when the company came to a halt, he told them that his father's sheep were shut up in the barn, and would starve unless they would permit him to go back and let them out; and that having done this he would at once return to them. They consented and he fulfilled his promise. Instead of lamenting his change in condition, the lad entered into his the pursuits of his new state with a relish, and during the five years of his wild life that followed, hoped he never would be removed from his savage to his former civilized position. Accordingly, when he was ransomed by government, he was so reluctant to leave his new and cherished pursuits, that force had to added to the persuasion to bring the young captive from barbarism to civilization." He was later "clerk of the town for 6 years and had 3 elections to the office of the representative to the general court. He was a deacon of the church for 28 years, a good man, and an exemplary Christian."

His sister, Lydia, taken to Ville Marie, now Montreal, Canada, was ransomed by the Mother Superior of the convent there and raised in the Roman Catholic faith. There is book about her, "Lydia Longley, the First American Nun" by Helen A. McCarthy. Publisher Farra Straus & Giraux, NY City. Or write to Mrs Danial N. McCarthy, 7 Hollis Street, Groton, MA 01450.

He lived with the Indians for quite a while and gave it up with great difficulty after much persuading. 1705: John Longley gave the town of Groton land for what is now probably the western end of Peabody Street. ( pg 47, Petapawag Plantation...Hx of Groton)

the boy, John, after several years in captivity returned to Groton. He married the daughter of Jonas Prescott had a family and took an active part in the civic affairs of the town. It may be that he preferred not to go back to his former home site with its memories, for he settled on what is now known as Higley Street. "William Longley" owned land in that vicinity and it is possible that John built upon the former property of William, who doubtless was related to John and may have been John's father or grandfather. There is also a John Longley mentioned in 1672 as having land in that same area. John Longley's home, built in 1712, stood upon the west side of Higley Street not far from the Peabody Street corner. This house was taken down only a few years ago but the remains of the cellar hole can still be seen. A part of the old house was saved and moved to a knoll on the same side of the street and built into another home, now the property of Dr. Helen Pittman.

The story is told that when the Indians were feared John Longley kept his pigs at Sawtell's garrison house for safety. He took food to these animals daily driving over the present day Peabody Street. As he did he often spilled some along the way particularly as he passed over the rough crossing at the swale or swampy land that was "Broadmeadow End". Thus John Longley's inadvertent spillage in all probability gave the inelegant name of "Swill Bridge" to the crossing which was hardly a bridge but more a causeway. ( pg 193, Petapawag Plantation...Hx of Groton)[Br%C3%B8derbund WFT Vol. 2, Ed. 1, Tree #3327, Date of Import: Dec 7, 1999] Source: "Epitaphs" by Dr. Samuel A. Green, Pub. l878 Little, Brown & Co. Boston Tombstone Inscriptions at the Old Burial Ground, Groton, MA p.l8

Here lies buried Ye body of Deac John Longley who departed this life, May Ye 25th AD l750 in Ye 68th year of his age. Author's Note: The son of William and Deliverance (Crispe) Longley. When Groton was assaulted by the Indians July 27, l694 he was taken captive and held prisoner more than four years. From “Who Begot Thee? Some Genealogical and Historical Notes Made in an effort to trace the American progenitors of one individual living in America in 1903” By Gilbert O. Bent, 1903:

JohnLongley. 1683-1750. "The Captive." Son of William. Born at Groton in 1683. Taken captive by Indians July 27, 1694, when the massacre of his family took place. He remained with the Indians over four years and was known among them as John Angary. He narrowly escaped death from starvation. He took kindly to life among the Indians, notwithstanding hardships, and, had it not been for determined efforts on the part of his relatives and the Massachusetts government, he would probably have become an Indian chief. He was ransomed by the government and, with great difficulty, induced to return to civilization. He became, instead of a great Indian Sachem, a respectable deacon of the church and leading citizen of Groton, Mass. Among papers in possession of the New-England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston (Knox manuscripts), is a deposition made by John Longley, giving a brief statement concerning his captivity among the Indians. John Longley married (1) in 1705 Sarah, daughter of Jonas Prescott, by whom he had five children. He married (2) at Lancaster Nov. 30, 1720, Deborah, daughter of John Wilder and widow of Robert Houghton, junior, by whom he had seven children. He had nine sons. Like his father and grandfather before him, he was clerk of the town of Groton. He filled that office from 1723 to 1726 and again in 1728 and 1729. He was town treasurer for some twelve years and had three elections as Representative to the Gene- ral Court. He was deacon of the church 28 years. He died at Groton May 25, 1750. His widow, Deborah, died Nov. 7, 1763, in her 7 2d year.

Find-a-Grave memorial #39630944

Sources

WikiTree profile Longley-90 created through the import of DurlingJamesO_AncWithDeathAft1600.ged on Feb 19, 2012 by Sue Durling. See the Changes page for the details of edits by Sue and others. Source: S00027 Author: Virginia A. May Title: A Plantation Called Petapawag, Some Notes on the History of Groton, Massachusetts Publication: Name: Edited and Published by the Groton Historical Society, 1976; Repository: #R00005 NOTESource Medium: Book CONT Source Quality: Good CONT Repository: R00005 Name: Book owned by Barbara Cramb Address: E-Mail Address: Phone Number: Source: S00115 Author: unknown----Farns10th@aol.com Title: Farnsworth Memorial NOTESource Medium: Book CONT Source: S00258 Author: Brøderbund Software, Inc. Title: World Family Tree Vol. 2, Ed. 1 Publication: Name: Release date: November 29, 1995; NOTESource Medium: Family Archive CD CONT CONT Customer pedigree. CONT Source: S00259 Author: Brøderbund Software, Inc. Title: World Family Tree Vol. 3, Ed. 1 Publication: Name: Release date: February 9, 1996; NOTESource Medium: Family Archive CD CONT CONT Customer pedigree. CONT Source: S00260 Author: Brøderbund Software, Inc. Title: World Family Tree Vol. 5, Ed. 1 Publication: Name: Release date: August 22, 1996; NOTESource Medium: Family Archive CD CONT CONT Customer pedigree. CONT The Longley Family Genealogy compiled by Louise Baneck Longley and Janneyne Longley Gnacinski, 1967, FHL Film # 928132 Item 6, pages 1-2, 6.

The following information is from Douglas Johnson, Draft 30 September 2003:

JOHN LONGLEY was born about 1682 in Groton, Massachusetts. He was the son of William and Lydia (Pease) Longley. He died 25 May 1750 at Groton, Massachusetts and is buried at Groton.

John married first Sarah Prescott about 1704/5. She was born 3 May 1686 at Groton, Massachusetts. Sarah was the daughter of Jonas and Mary (Locker) Prescott. The Prescotts were a respectable family; Sarah’s grandfather, John Prescott, came to Boston about 1640 from England after several years in Barbados. John Prescott was one of the original proprietors of Lancaster, Massachusetts. Sarah died 8 March 1718 at Groton, aged 32 years.

Children of John and Sarah (Prescott) Longley

i. Sarah, b. 28 March 1706 at Groton; m. John Woods 3 June 1724/5; d. 28 March 1773 at Groton.

ii. William, b. 20 February 1708 at Groton; m Mary Parker 4 January 1734; d 15 May 1788.

iii. John, b. 6 January 1710 at Groton; m. first Mary Lawrence, m. second Elizabeth Patterson; d. 17 March 1792 at Shirley, Massachusetts.

iv. Jonas, b. 22 January 1712 at Groton; m. Esther Patterson 20 November, 1751; d. 24 September 1799.

v. Lydia, b. 26 June 1716 at Groton; m. Amos Farnsworth 20 March 1734/5; d. at Groton.

John married second the widow Deborah (Wilder) Houghton on 30 November 1720 at Newton, Massachusetts. She was born in 1692, the daughter of John and Hannah (Atherton) Wilder. She died 7 November 1763 at Groton and is buried at Groton. Deborah married first Robert Houghton, the son of Robert and Esther Houghton. He was born about 1692 and died in 1718. John Longley became the guardian of the three surviving Houghton children in 1727.

Children of Robert and Deborah (Wilder) Houghton

i. Robert, d. 1727

ii. Esther, b. about 1712.

iii. Ebenezer, b. about 1714.

iv. Deborah, b. about 1717.

Children of John and Deborah (Wilder Houghton) Longley

i. Zachariah, b. 30 August 1721 at Groton, Massachusetts; d. 29 September 1723 at Groton, Massachusetts.

ii. Joseph, b. 12 September 1724 at Groton; m. Mary Walker; d. 1758 at Greenbush, New York.

iii. Jonathan, b. 18 November 1726 at Groton; m. Anna Bancroft 30 January 1751; d. 13 August 1768 at Littleton, Massachusetts.

iv. Zachariah, b. 7 June 1729 at Groton; m. Jemima Moors 7 March 1751; d. 4-6 June 1814 at Norridgewock, Maine.

v. Nathaniel, b. 6 September 1731 at Groton; m. Beluah Fairbanks 14 march 1755; d. 8 November 1816 at Bolton, Massachusetts.

vi. Robert, b. 11 March 1733/4 at Groton; m. Anna Whitcomb 17 March 1756; d. 10 August 1802 at Bolton, Massachusetts.

“John Longley was twelve years old when the Indians terrified the settlement of Groton July 27, 1694, killing his parents and brothers and sisters, carrying his two other sisters and himself through the woods toward the river and captivity . when his captors had gone only a short distance down the Nashua he remembered that his father’s sheep were locked in the barn. He pleaded with the Indians to let kin return to the farm and release the sheep with the promise that he would return to then without raising an alarm,. It sees strange , in view of what happened at the lie Longley farm, that he should want to return to the place where the mutilated bodies of his families lay between the cornfield and the barn. Strange or not, John went back to the farm, released the sheep, made no effort to arouse the neighbors, and returned to the Indians and captivity – a captivity which he endured for four years.

“Evidently life among the savages, who had destroyed members of this family before his very eyes, appealed to hi, which is proven by the fact that when relatives tried to ransom him, he was so reluctant to leave the Indians that force had to be used to separate him from them. He never talked about his life in Indian captivity to his family or friends and the only record of his four years is a short statement found among the Knox Manuscripts, now in possession of the New England Historic Genealogical Society:

“John Longley of Groton of about fifty four years of age Testifyes & Saith That he was Taken Captive by the Indians at Groton in July 1694, and lived in Captivity with the More than four Years; And the Two last years and a half at Penobscot as Servant to Mad0cawando of Sd Penobscot And he was always Accounted as Chief or One of ye Chief Sachems of Captains among the Indians there and I have Often seen the Indians Gifting in Council Where he always Sat as Chief; And Once in particular I Observed a present was made of him of a Considerable Number of Skins of Considerable Value As and Acknowledgement of his Superiority.

Midd. SS. Groton July 24, 1736 (Signed) John Longley

“Deacon John Longley above named personally appearing Made Oath To ye Truth of the above written Testimony. Before me Benja. Prescott, Just. of peace.

John returned to Groton and became a respectable citizen. He served as Groton Town Clerk for six years and was elected to the office of representative to the General Court three times “At a church meeting, 1722, John Longley was chosen Deacon,” of the Church of Christ. He held that position for 28 years.

References:

“Ancestral Tapestry”, No. 3, p 51-3 gives John’s dates, parents, etc..  

Notes

Draft 30 September 2003.

Another Reference Source:

Title: "Elijah Longley and his Descendants: A Contribution Towards A Longley Genealogy"

Author: Arthur Willis Standford

Printed By: The Fukuin Printing Co., Ltd, Kobe Branch

Date Published: 1909

_____________________________________________________

When Groton was assaulted by the Indians July 27,1694, he was taken captive and held prisoner more than four years.

He married, first, about 1705, Sarah Prescott, the daughter of Jonas Prescott and Mary Loker Prescott. Sarah died Mar 8,1718 at Groton,MA.

He married, second, on Nov 30,1720 at Lancaster,MA, Deborah (Wilder) Houghton. She was the widow of Robert Houghton Jr.

Children(by first marriage): Sarah Longley Woods, William Longley, John Longley Jr, Jonas Longley, and Lydia Longley Farnsworth.

Children(by second marriage): Zachariah Longley, Joseph Longley, Jonathan Longley, Zachariah Longley, Nathaniel Longley, Robert Longley, and an infant daughter.

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Nov 24 2018, 15:58:57 UTC

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